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Icy Challenges for Chesapeake Bay Anglers as Wind and Cold Persist
As of January 9, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is facing some challenges due to the weather. The wind has been strong, and the cold temperatures are keeping many boats off the water.
### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are as follows: high tide at 3:52 AM with a height of 0.83 meters, low tide at 10:20 AM, another high tide at 4:10 PM, and a final low tide at 10:12 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather forecast indicates more cold weather on the way, which may affect fishing conditions.
### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there has been some notable fish activity. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in recent days. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish over the 40-inch mark caught using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the bite has been inconsistent, with some days seeing very little action[3].
In the southern part of the bay, near Cape Charles, there has been migratory striped bass action. Boats like Sho-Nuf Sportfishing have reported steady catching with some trophy fish caught and released. Additionally, bluefin tuna have been active in the ocean off the Virginia Beach area, with reports of large catches, including a 94-inch fish weighing 502 pounds[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. Jigs and crankbaits can also work well, especially in areas with underwater structures. For bluefin tuna, traditional tuna lures and bait such as ballyhoo or squid are recommended.
### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and larger rockfish catches.
- **Mouth of Eastern Bay**: Fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water.
- **Kiptopeke State Park**: Offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a good spot for striped bass, cobia, and summer flounder.
- **Pooles Island**: Situated in the upper parts of the bay, it's a busy spot for targeting bluefish and striped bass[4].
Given the current conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold and potentially rough waters. Dress warmly, and make sure your gear is in good condition before heading out.
### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are as follows: high tide at 3:52 AM with a height of 0.83 meters, low tide at 10:20 AM, another high tide at 4:10 PM, and a final low tide at 10:12 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather forecast indicates more cold weather on the way, which may affect fishing conditions.
### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there has been some notable fish activity. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in recent days. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish over the 40-inch mark caught using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the bite has been inconsistent, with some days seeing very little action[3].
In the southern part of the bay, near Cape Charles, there has been migratory striped bass action. Boats like Sho-Nuf Sportfishing have reported steady catching with some trophy fish caught and released. Additionally, bluefin tuna have been active in the ocean off the Virginia Beach area, with reports of large catches, including a 94-inch fish weighing 502 pounds[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. Jigs and crankbaits can also work well, especially in areas with underwater structures. For bluefin tuna, traditional tuna lures and bait such as ballyhoo or squid are recommended.
### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and larger rockfish catches.
- **Mouth of Eastern Bay**: Fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water.
- **Kiptopeke State Park**: Offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a good spot for striped bass, cobia, and summer flounder.
- **Pooles Island**: Situated in the upper parts of the bay, it's a busy spot for targeting bluefish and striped bass[4].
Given the current conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold and potentially rough waters. Dress warmly, and make sure your gear is in good condition before heading out.
View all episodes
By Quiet. PleaseAs of January 9, 2025, the fishing scene in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, is facing some challenges due to the weather. The wind has been strong, and the cold temperatures are keeping many boats off the water.
### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are as follows: high tide at 3:52 AM with a height of 0.83 meters, low tide at 10:20 AM, another high tide at 4:10 PM, and a final low tide at 10:12 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather forecast indicates more cold weather on the way, which may affect fishing conditions.
### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there has been some notable fish activity. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in recent days. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish over the 40-inch mark caught using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the bite has been inconsistent, with some days seeing very little action[3].
In the southern part of the bay, near Cape Charles, there has been migratory striped bass action. Boats like Sho-Nuf Sportfishing have reported steady catching with some trophy fish caught and released. Additionally, bluefin tuna have been active in the ocean off the Virginia Beach area, with reports of large catches, including a 94-inch fish weighing 502 pounds[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. Jigs and crankbaits can also work well, especially in areas with underwater structures. For bluefin tuna, traditional tuna lures and bait such as ballyhoo or squid are recommended.
### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and larger rockfish catches.
- **Mouth of Eastern Bay**: Fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water.
- **Kiptopeke State Park**: Offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a good spot for striped bass, cobia, and summer flounder.
- **Pooles Island**: Situated in the upper parts of the bay, it's a busy spot for targeting bluefish and striped bass[4].
Given the current conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold and potentially rough waters. Dress warmly, and make sure your gear is in good condition before heading out.
### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel are as follows: high tide at 3:52 AM with a height of 0.83 meters, low tide at 10:20 AM, another high tide at 4:10 PM, and a final low tide at 10:12 PM. Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather forecast indicates more cold weather on the way, which may affect fishing conditions.
### Fish Activity
Despite the adverse weather, there has been some notable fish activity. In the Middle Chesapeake Bay, big rockfish are still being caught, although the action has been slow in recent days. Chesapeake Beach and the mouth of Eastern Bay have been hot zones, with fish over the 40-inch mark caught using soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads. However, the bite has been inconsistent, with some days seeing very little action[3].
In the southern part of the bay, near Cape Charles, there has been migratory striped bass action. Boats like Sho-Nuf Sportfishing have reported steady catching with some trophy fish caught and released. Additionally, bluefin tuna have been active in the ocean off the Virginia Beach area, with reports of large catches, including a 94-inch fish weighing 502 pounds[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft plastics on 1.5-ounce heads have been effective. Jigs and crankbaits can also work well, especially in areas with underwater structures. For bluefin tuna, traditional tuna lures and bait such as ballyhoo or squid are recommended.
### Hot Spots
- **Chesapeake Beach**: Known for its short-lived bird action and larger rockfish catches.
- **Mouth of Eastern Bay**: Fish can be located on sonar suspending in 40’ to 60’ of water.
- **Kiptopeke State Park**: Offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a good spot for striped bass, cobia, and summer flounder.
- **Pooles Island**: Situated in the upper parts of the bay, it's a busy spot for targeting bluefish and striped bass[4].
Given the current conditions, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold and potentially rough waters. Dress warmly, and make sure your gear is in good condition before heading out.